Biblical GREECE FAM TRIP Discounted Biblical & Religion Tour for Professors March 11–19, 2022 Tour Host: Dr. Mark Wilson Biblical Greece - Fam Trip / March 11–19, 2022 Meteora Biblical Greece March 11–19, 2022 Mark Wilson, D.Litt. et Phil., Director, Asia Minor Research Center, Antalya, Turkey; Associate Professor, Extraordinary of New Testament, Stellenbosch University [email protected] Join me for this brief introductory tour of the Biblical sites in Greece. We will travel to all of the ancient sites that were associated with St. Paul’s journeys in Greece. Additionally, we will visit other March 15 Tue Meteora, Delphi important historical sites along the way, such as the famous Delphic Oracle and the monastic community at Meteora. A discounted Familiarization Trip, Here are the famous Cenobitic Monasteries that are perched such as this, is intended to acquaint professors and pastors with the many precariously on top of huge and precipitous columns of rock ways that Biblical tours can enrich students’ and parishoners’ understanding that rise up out of the ground, thereby giving rise to the name of the scriptures and enhance their spiritual development. I invite “Meteora,” which means “in the air.” It was in the 11th century that you to accompany us on this odyssey to the birthplace of western the first hermits sought refuge in the caves of Meteora where the civilization. solitude and spectacular vistas enhanced the mystic way of life. Eventually the hermits began to group together in monasteries Tour Itinerary: whose buildings were decorated with frescoes and icons by the great artists of the day. After touring one of these historic and March 11 Fri Depart from USA breathtaking monasteries, we spend the afternoon enjoying the scenic drive to Delphi (B, D). March 12 Sat Arrive at Thessaloniki Airport Our representative will meet you after the customs and baggage March 16 Wed Delphi, Athens claim with a “FAM TRIP-TUTKU” sign. Transfer to the hotel for Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of dinner and overnight. (D) unparalleled beauty and majesty, Delphi is the home of the Sanctuary of Apollo and the world-renowned “Delphic oracle.” March 13 Sun Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Thessaloniki Other impressive ruins found here include the Temple of Athena, We enjoy a scenic drive along the Aegean Sea to Kavala (ancient a well-preserved theatre that seats 5000 people, an athletic Neapolis), the port city of Philippi, where Paul landed by boat and stadium seating 7000, a gymnasium for physical training, various first brought the gospel to Europe. We’ll travel inland to Philippi, stoas, and treasuries. It is with good reason that Delphi is widely named after Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. We follow acknowledged as the most spectacularly beautiful ancient site in the Via Egnatia which the apostle took into the city. Here at Greece. We also will visit the Delphi Museum, whose impressive Philippi Paul preached his first sermon in Europe (Acts 16:13-15) collection includes an inscription concerning the governor and baptized the first Christian convert in the continent, a “certain Gallio (Acts 18:12), which plays a crucial role in establishing the woman named Lydia.” The Philippian church became one of Paul’s chronology of Paul’s life and ministry. We end the day with a drive favorite congregations and many years later, while under house to Athens (B, D). arrest in Rome, he wrote them a letter (Philippians) expressing his gratitude for their faithful support of his missionary activity. Extensive Roman and Byzantine ruins have been uncovered and Delphi Theater there is a crypt where it is believed Paul and Silas were imprisoned. We leave Philippi and continue to follow the Via Egnatia to Amphipolis (Acts 17:1) to view the Lion Monument that Paul would have seen as he traveled by this city. We pass by Apollonia (Acts 17:1) and return to our hotel in Thessaloniki (B, D). March 14 Mon Thessaloniki, Berea, Kalambaka (Meteora) Paul spent a number of weeks in Thessalonica during his 2nd Missionary Journey establishing a church (Acts 17:1-9) to whom he would a short time later write two letters (1 & 2 Thessalonians). Visit the Roman Agora (marketplace), where a mob was formed against Paul and an ensuing riot started in the city (Acts 17:5) as well as the Archaeological Museum. Other impressive sites include the triumphal Arch of Galerius (AD 305-311), remnants of two beautiful Byzantine churches (Hagia Sophia & Saint Dimitrius), the ancient ramparts of the city, and the White Tower—the symbol of the city. We leave Thessaloniki for a brief visit to Berea (modern Veria), the place whose Jewish citizens “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). After viewing the Bema— the spot where tradition has Paul teaching the Bereans—and the beautiful monument dedicated to the apostle, we drive south to Kalambaka (B, D). Biblical Greece - Fam Trip / March 11–19, 2022 Parthenon, Athens TOUR MAP KAVALA PHILIPPI THESSALONIKI AMPHIPOLIS VERIA (BEREA) METEORA DELPHI ATHENS March 17 Thu Athens Paul visited Athens during his 2nd Missionary Journey (Acts 17:15- CORINTH SEA AEGEAN 34). We’ll see the Agora (“Marketplace”) of ancient Athens where CENCHRAEA the apostle dialogued with the Athenian citizens and philosophers (Acts 17:17) and also at the Areopagus (“Mars Hill”) where Paul addressed the city leaders (Acts 17:19-33). Before going up to see the Acropolis, we’ll stop at the New Acropolis Museum which helpfully explains the history of this world-famous place. Then we’ll go up to the Acropolis, which towers over the city of Athens and which houses the Parthenon, a building so masterfully created that it has been the subject of architectural study since its creation. Equally impressive buildings on the Acropolis include the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens, and the Temple of Athena Nike, the goddess of “Victory.” The area surrounding the Acropolis houses a number of other striking archeological sights: the Stoa of Attalos, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, LAND & AIR the Temple of Hephaestus, the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Olympian Zeus (B, D). $1,990 Per Person in Double Room (for professors) March 18 Fri Corinth Corinth, Cenchrea, $2,190 Per Person in Double Room (for spouses) Athens After briefly stopping $290 Single Room Supplement at the Corinthian *There can be a supplement on the tour cost if the airlines Canal, we proceed to increase air ticket rates due to COVID-19 pandemic. nearby Cenchrea, one of the two harbors of ancient Corinth from INCLUDING where Paul sailed on more than one • International flights from USA (New York JFK Airport, occasion (Acts 18:18) Chicago, Los Angeles) to Athens based on Turkish Airlines and which was also Economy Class. the home of another early church and an • 7 nights at 4 star hotels influential Christian • Daily breakfast and 7 dinners woman, Phoebe (Rom. 16:1). We then visit • Entrance fees to all sightseeing as per itinerary Corinth, the place • English–speaking licensed tour guide throughout the where Paul ministered itinerary for 1½ years (Acts 18:1-18) and would later write at least four letters, two of which have survived (1 & 2 Corinthians). The city is located • Transfers & transportation by private A/C motorcoach on the slopes of the Acrocorinth, a towering mountain rising 1,886 feet above the sea and crowned in ancient times by the temple of • Portage for one piece of luggage at the hotels Aphrodite. Extensive ruins of Corinth are visible today, including temples, water fountains, shops, various public buildings, the largest Agora (“Marketplace”) in the ancient world and the Bema, EXCLUDING where Paul likely met before the governor Gallio (Acts 18:12-17). The Corinthian Museum contains many significant artifacts, several • Lunches and drinks of which have a direct link to events, items and people mentioned • Tips to tour guide and driver in the New Testament (B, D). • Personal Expenses and, any other item which is not included March 19 Sat Transfer to Athens Airport for flight to USA above Biblical Greece - Fam Trip / March 11–19, 2022 PAYMENT PROCEDURE: FOR REGISTRATION & PAYMENT – $200 per person Deposit : July 12, 2021 – Full Payment : December 13, 2021 (Visa or Mastercard only), you can fill in the secure form at TUTKU website Cancellation Penalty: https://secure.tutkutours.com/famtrip – 90–60 days prior to departure : No Penalty – 59–45 days prior to departure : 25% *Please email to [email protected] and ask for – 44–30 days prior to departure : 50% TUTKU’ bank account details if you wish to pay with bank – 29–15 days prior to departure : 75% wire transfer. – 14 days & After : No refund Air Cancellation Policy: We will be liable to the airlines standard rules for any name changes, dates changes or cancellations. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance may be purchased separately at an extra cost. Travel Insurance is a contract between the traveller and the Insurance Company (American Express, or other). To obtain your travel insurance, please call 1–800–TURKIYE and ask for Ms. Ayata. Gaziosmanpaşa Bulvarı 3/303 Izmir 35210 TURKEY Phone: +90-232 441-8635 / 441-8676 / 441-8677 Visit for other tours: www.tutkutours.com EmailBiblical for Greece customized - Fam Trip group / March & 11–19, individual 2022 tour requests: [email protected].